Behind the Xiao family's mountain, Xiao Tian sat alone on the edge of a cliff, dressed in thin clothes. From time to time, cold mountain winds swept past, forcing him to pull his garments tighter around himself.
The rustling of bamboo behind him echoed faintly, and as the sound blended with the wind, Xiao Tian's vacant gaze gradually sank into deep thought.
Suddenly—
A wisp of white smoke slowly drifted out from the storage ring in Xiao Tian's hand.
Xiao Tian's pupils shrank. He immediately stood up.
Before he could react further, a powerful gust of wind surged forward, forcing him to shut his eyes.
When the wind settled, an elderly man with flowing white hair stood calmly before him, his robes fluttering lightly.
"This old man is Yao Chen," the elder said indifferently.
"A figure who once stood at the peak."
Xiao Tian stared at him for a moment before cautiously asking,
"Are you… Yao Lao?"
The old apothecary leaned closer, his sharp eyes carefully examining Xiao Tian's face. After a long pause, he shook his head in surprise.
"Eh? Little fellow, how did you recognize me?"
Xiao Tian froze.
How could he possibly explain that he knew him from a novel—especially when the concept of a "novel" didn't even exist in this world?
Seeing Xiao Tian stuck in silence, Yao Lao waved his hand dismissively.
"Forget it. Not many people know my name anyway. Since you recognized me, it must be fate."
"I'll grant you a good fortune."
Xiao Tian's heart leaped.
Among the treasures Yao Lao once gave Xiao Yan, the Nourishing Spirit Liquid stood out the most—something that allowed cultivation to soar rapidly.
But his excitement was quickly followed by concern.
Will pills from this world even work on me?
Still, something was better than nothing.
"What kind of good fortune?" Xiao Tian asked eagerly.
"Give it to me quickly!"
Yao Lao burst into laughter. He patted Xiao Tian's shoulder, floated aside, and waved his hand.
A piece of yellowed parchment appeared in midair.
With a light tap, large characters surfaced upon it, and as the wind stirred, the parchment slowly drifted into Yao Lao's hand.
"Don't rush," Yao Lao said smugly.
"Inheriting knowledge has always followed one rule—only disciples receive teachings."
"You'll have to become my apprentice first."
Xiao Tian didn't hesitate.
This was exactly how Battle Through the Heavens began.
He immediately knelt and kowtowed three times.
"Master, please accept me!"
Yao Lao was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected such decisiveness—but it pleased him greatly.
With a wave of his hand, he sent the parchment flying toward Xiao Tian.
Xiao Tian caught it and glanced down.
As expected—
Nourishing Spirit Liquid Formula.
"This is the recipe," Yao Lao said.
"Prepare it as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the faster your cultivation will rise."
Xiao Tian lacked money—but he knew exactly where to get it.
In the system's adjusted memories, Xiao Tian had replaced Xiao Yan's childhood role beside Xiao Xun'er. Unfortunately, he himself didn't feel that emotional bond.
Without delay, Xiao Tian turned and rushed down the mountain.
Behind him, Yao Lao stared blankly.
"…At least let me return to the ring first!"
With a helpless sigh, Yao Lao transformed into white mist and followed.
Xiao Xun'er lived to the east of the Xiao family grounds, in Hundred Flowers Garden, a residence reserved for elite female disciples.
When Xiao Tian arrived, he was greeted by a wooden sign:
"Hundred Flowers Garden — Male Disciples Forbidden."
Xiao Tian froze.
Then how am I supposed to see Xun'er?
Before he could think further—
"Hey, isn't that Xiao Tian, the useless servant?"
"It's him! What's he doing here?"
"Disgusting. Weak and shameless."
Xiao Tian nearly spat blood.
Being called useless was one thing—but lewd?
He clenched his fists.
Strength… only strength shuts mouths.
More and more female disciples gathered, whispering and pointing.
Just then—
"Sister Xun'er!"
A petite figure appeared inside the garden.
Xiao Tian called out immediately.
Xiao Xun'er turned around, her eyes lighting up. She ran toward him with a bright smile, and the surrounding disciples instinctively parted.
Everyone knew Xiao Xun'er—the Xiao family's true genius.
Seeing there was no drama left, the crowd dispersed.
A faint fragrance drifted over as Xiao Xun'er stopped in front of him.
"Brother Xiao Tian," she said with a slight pout,
"Why did you leave so quickly after the test? You didn't even say hello."
Xiao Tian smiled and gently tapped her forehead.
"I waited until you finished. If I stayed any longer, I'd only be mocked more."
"Anyone who dares speak badly about you," Xun'er said firmly, clenching her fist,
"I'll deal with them."
Xiao Tian smiled inwardly.
Even heroes fall to beauty…
"Brother Xiao Tian," Xun'er asked softly, taking his hand,
"Did you come because you need something?"
"…I need to borrow some money," Xiao Tian admitted.
"I'll pay you back."
Xun'er immediately shook her head.
"No need to repay."
She produced a five-pattern purple-gold card.
"I have over a thousand gold coins. If it's not enough, I'll get more."
Xiao Tian accepted it and smiled.
"That's enough. Thank you, Xun'er."
As he turned away, his eyes sharpened.
Now that Yao Lao had awakened—
It was time for his true rise to begin.